Raised beds material for edging

[Jimmy]

Some while ago I did a post on raised beds from old pallets.
This worked OK but the pallet wood only lasted 2 or 3 years before rotting.

I am replacing them with 6 inch by 2 inch lengths of pressure treated timber.
Granted it's not free but not that dear either.

Any one else used "paid" for timber ?

Comments please.
Jimmy

[bario1]

Jimmy, it must take a lot of 6 inch boards to make a good sized raised bed!

I bought timber for one of mine from J**sons, and it was pretty cheap. Don't think it was treated though. I lined it with polythene (recycled compost bags) which seems to have helped it last, though it's only a couple of years old at the moment.

[Jimmy]

Mine are only 6 inch high, not really raised.

[veggiechicken]

I think it was the "6inch by 2inch" boards that bario meant!

[Stan79]

Yep - try lining them with the plastic from old compost, dog food, chicken feed, sand plastic bags...

[Cadalot]

I'm using 2.4m timber decking boards 120mm x 25mm. It takes three boards to make a bed 2.4m x 1.2m wide and Wicks are selling the boards at £3.99 a length at the moment.



The paths will ultimately be woodchips and paving slabs

[SusieG]

I think it was the "6inch by 2inch" boards that bario meant!

Haha!! Was just picturing teeny weeny beds suitable for use with a dolls house!!!

[SusieG]

DH made these for me on Saturday. Of course, they need to be put into final position yet, but we are first going to put down some membrane and cover with slate style stoney bits.
Then get me some top soil and bunging in some compost, bought and homemade

These were made from 'scaffolding boards' x 10 from wickes

[gardening_gal]

I'm using 2.4m timber decking boards 120mm x 25mm. It takes three boards to make a bed 2.4m x 1.2m wide and Wicks are selling the boards at £3.99 a length at the moment.

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The paths will ultimately be woodchips and paving slabs

I've just bought the same stuff to edge 3 sides of a bed that backs against a wall. It was cost effective for me and it seems sturdy enough for it's purpose.

I also bought some of the £6.99 (4 for 3) boards to make free standing planters but I've not got that far yet.

[craftymarie]

We bought scaffolding boards from wickes - can't remember how much they were but hubby checked all the prices online and they seemed the best deal for what we wanted. They are super thick which is what I wanted to make the beds very sturdy and durable.

We painted ours with black bitumen which worked out quite a bit cheaper than other outdoor treatments for wood. So hoping combination of thick board plus bitumen should make them last for many years to come.

[SusieG]

We bought scaffolding boards from wickes - can't remember how much they were but hubby checked all the prices online and they seemed the best deal for what we wanted. They are super thick which is what I wanted to make the beds very sturdy and durable.

We painted ours with black bitumen which worked out quite a bit cheaper than other outdoor treatments for wood. So hoping combination of thick board plus bitumen should make them last for many years to come.

Craftymarie, was unsure whether to treat my scaffolding boards or leave them as they are... As you say, they are good and thick and should last a few years ...
I was thinking of getting some wood preservative (suitable for use with veg etc) and lining the insides with thick black plastic?

[Kirk]

I used deckong boards for mine, they were/are treated although not really for having soil in contact I suppose. I did however also paint them twice with a wood treatment/preserver.

The reason for the preserver was more or less to use it up. It was one from Wilkinsons that did not turn out right for wood around the exterior of the house. It went on easy, ended up as decent darkish colour, dried fast and also up as slightly glossy. With 2 coats on both sides I hope it will last a few years. Brushes are washed in water.

Intend to use decking on an edging soon and intend to do the same on that length, when I find somewhere to get a 5+ meter length.

[Bigmallly]

Instead of buying new Scaffold Boards, check out a few local Scaffolding companies as H&S dictates renewal of their boards when they reach a certain condition.

[craftymarie]

Craftymarie, was unsure whether to treat my scaffolding boards or leave them as they are... As you say, they are good and thick and should last a few years ...
I was thinking of getting some wood preservative (suitable for use with veg etc) and lining the insides with thick black plastic?

Well I just figured they should last even longer by treating them. It took quite some time to make them all so don't want them rotting anytime soon Lining should help as well. I didn't think of that one but too late now as they're filled with compost and in use LOL!

[donksey]

I don't have raised beds, but I have edged my half plot with second hand corrugated tin.
It will last for years and it takes away the problem of cooch grass encroaching into my plot from the pathways.
Only thing is the cut edges are quite sharp so I have fixed this by glueing plastic grommet strip along the top edge.